DSWD warns content creators mocking persons with disabilities
MANILA — Following the controversial remarks in a comedy podcast mocking Kris Aquino’s son, Joshua “Josh” Aquino, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday issued a warning against individuals who mock and demean persons with disabilities as it calls on content creators to always respect persons with mental health condition and those undergoing psychosocial crisis.
“Every individual with a disability, including those on the autism spectrum or with neurodevelopmental conditions, deserves dignity, respect, privacy, and the utmost care. Exploiting a person’s disability for amusement, ridicule, or online engagement is unacceptable, as it reinforces harmful stereotypes and drives discrimination against a vulnerable group,” DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a statement.
The statement was issued in reaction to the disturbing episode of the Machong Chismisan podcast, which made fun of persons with disabilities specifically those on the autism spectrum.
“We urge all content creators to exercise responsibility in discussing topics that make fun and violate the rights of vulnerable sectors such as persons with disabilities, whether it is apparent or non-apparent. We need to protect their dignity not only as an act of compassion but also as part of upholding their human rights,” Dumlao added.
Under Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities, as amended by Republic Act No. 9442, any act that shames, ridicules, or vilifies persons with disabilities, whether in public or online spaces, is punishable by law.
The DSWD also reiterated its call for all content creators to avoid using as topic for discussion persons with disabilities, including persons in psychosocial crisis and those who are in their most vulnerable moment.
“Content creators, like their counterparts in mainstream media, bear the responsibility of fostering respectful and inclusive digital spaces, ensuring that all content always observe sensitivity and mindfulness on the rights of vulnerable individuals,” Dumlao said.
Netizens, including those who are close to Josh and his mom, have already condemned the podcast host for the incident.
The Pod Network (TPN) has also terminated their contract with Machong Chismisan after its controversial episode.
“We have formally terminated our contract with the Machong Chismisan podcast, and are consequently removing the show from the network, effective immediately,” the statement read.
TPN’s website describes Machong Chismisan as “the longest-running comedy podcast in the Philippines.”
Since early this week, the podcast hosts have been facing a backlash from netizens, following the now-deleted episode that was uploaded last October 5. Netizens, however, were able to grab a recording of the episode, which has been circulating online.
In that episode, Tito P compared brothers Bimby Aquino and Josh. “Si Bimby sobrang okay na anak, si Josh walang kwenta eh,” Tito P said.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Tito P explained what happened and revealed that he already reached out to those who were affected as he wants to apologize in person.
As of writing, Kris Aquino has yet to make a statement about the issue. Josh is Kris’s son with actor Philip Salvador, while Bimby is her son with basketball star James Yap.